Virtual Cookie Exchange Party
You know them from message boards and email lists. Maybe they're old friends and distant family -- and now the Internet is your main means of communication. These people are special to you, and, across the miles, you want to celebrate the holidays together. How can you do it? Throw a cookie exchange party!

Here are the basics:

1) The "host" invites a set number of cookie-lovers, and assigns each person 5 names

2) Each cookie-lover is responsible for baking 5 dozen cookies and sending 1 dozen of those cookies to the 5 names on her list

3) Every cookie lover will receive in return 5 different packages of cookies!

With each batch of cookies, the baker provides the recipe in whatever the group has decided is going to be the standard format (recipe card or binder page, for example). Alternatively, the host can collect recipes from all of the cookie bakers and compile a group cookbook!

Duties of the host:

1. Send out invitations (see below)
2. Create and maintain a list of all participants and their complete mailing addresses
3. Assign each participant 5 swap partners
4. Notify each participant of her swap partners
5. Organize cookbook/recipe collection (if desired)
6. Make sure everyone received their cookies

The most unique element of this kind of exchange -- getting cookies by mail -- is also the part that requires more work than would a cookie exchange with friends who live locally. Each participant will need to be sure to get their cookies wrapped, packed and shipped in a timely manner to ensure the cookies stay fresh! Click here for some tips on packaging your cookies for shipment.

Here's a sample invitation to join the exchange:

Snickerdoodles, oatmeal and lemon crisp
Pfeffernuesse, gingerbread and chocolate chip
Cookies will come from across the miles
Sent to you to bring you smiles

Although you're all friends who are not so near
We all, in our hearts, hold each other dear
Together we will enjoy some tasty treats
And spend our holidays with these to eat

Russian hats, shortbread, molasses, too
Gingerbread, spritz - make them all for you
Someone who you know by an email address
Will wish you happy holidays and send you her best!

If you'd like to exchange cookies you bake
Write me back and tell me what you'll make
Then in the mail you soon will get
Boxes of cookies from friends you haven't met!

Invite people to a cookie exchange now!

At the end of the exchange, everyone will have a great variety of cookies to enjoy over the holidays, and some new cookie recipes, too! This is a fun way to spread real-life cheer to those friends with whom you share so much in the virtual world.

Party variations: Five dozen cookies is just a recommended number to make the baking and shipping commitment easy on everyone. This number can be adjusted up or down as your group wishes (for example, everyone could bake 10 dozen cookies). Alternatively, each person could bake two types of cookie, and send one dozen of each to every person on her list. Finally, your group can also surprise someone who cannot participate in the exchange. The host can add them to the "receive" list and get five people to bake extras just for her.

Exchange chat: To save bandwidth and spare feelings, we suggest setting up a separate email list or message board thread for cookie discussions.

The only thing more fun than getting mail is getting cookies in the mail. Save yourself some baking and give it a try!

Let's bake!
Send this information to a friend!
Making great cookies
Gingerbread tradition
Measuring ingredients
Cookie extravaganza
Warmth of spicy cookies
Dainty holiday cookies
Candy cane cookies
Tempting holiday treats
Diabetic holiday celebrations
Gift-wrapping cookies
Cookie baking & storage tips
All cookie recipes!

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